Morally Upright Leaders

Few will disagree that TGNA is an example of a morally upright leader

The recently concluded MCA general assembly, the second largest party in the governing coalition is worth discussing by virtue of them being the second largest party claiming to represent yet another second largest if not at par with the Malays and their suggestion to have a second DPM from the Chinese community.

But perhaps the most controversial thing about MCA is about their decision to pair Mr Clean with Mr. Scandal as President and Deputy President. Some even nicknamed their highly unorthodox partnership as 'Team Kangkung'. Nonetheless, its besides the point and what is more serious is the elevation of someone who has openly admitted to have been involved in a highly explicit carnal relationship outside the marriage. Maybe such relation is not something abnormal and deserves condemnation among their community but I believe some particularly those who still regard themselves as belonging and practising eastern values which among others frown upon such immoral conduct.

Him being there among the top echelon is a stigma and something many will feel unease about since leadership comes together with high morality as the new President has frequently declares. Indeed, in Islam it is incumbent among the faithfuls to appoint among themselves those morally upright as leaders so as to welcome blessings from the Almighty and also to avoid wrath and misfortune to the whole community. A leader is supposed to be clean and leads a clean and untarnished way of life and what their Deputy President is way from what we see and perceive as normal.

Maybe it is alright if he is just a Deputy President of a party without holding any official duties with or within the government but if he is to be appointed as a senator and thus eligible for government post as many have suggested than it is utterly unacceptable not only by all faiths but also by Malaysian standard where we still believe and practise universal values of leaders with impeccable morality. What will become of this nation if he becomes a minister and even worse if he's appointed as a DPM and one day he has to shoulder the duties of the PM? I can only see chaos, discontent and of course misfortunes.

Since he;s openly admitted to the scandal and has duly resigned from his government's posts therefore by right he shouldn't be there anymore as anyone who is the Prime Minister has the burden to decide about his appointment if many ask him to be included in the cabinet. I am not saying that those within and without the government are clean but at least they do not openly admit that they are involved in such immoral acts. All we have are hearsay and accusations hurled at those leaders. Therefore, we cannot prevent them from continuing as leaders as what they do behind doors are between them and God.

Maybe the coalition leaders need to re examine their stance towards PAS leaders who are seen and in reality are clean and have impeccable lives. Apart from politics, I am sure nobody dares to say something negative or even insinuate Tuan Guru Nik Aziz as he leads a simple, humble and strictly follows the teachings and tenets of Islam. Being leaders come not only with attractive perks but also heavy responsibilities.

Now, another burden for the next Pm from the governing coalition to settle....if they are still in control ;)